Modular Power Tool Interchangeable Attachment Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power tools are typically designed for specific tasks and lack versatility, requiring separate power heads and attachments, which can be costly and limit their applicability to multiple tasks.
Innovation Solution
A modular power tool design featuring a motor housing with an electric motor and drive member, an extension pole with input and output shafts, and interchangeable attachment components, allowing the same motor housing to power various attachments such as chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and blowers, with a locking mechanism for easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power tools are designed for specific tasks with separate power heads and attachments, then each tool can perform its dedicated function reliably, but the overall system complexity increases and costs increase due to requiring multiple separate tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power head unit with a standardized coupling mechanism that can interface with multiple different attachment types (e.g., string trimmer, hedge trimmer, chainsaw attachments). This allows a single power head to perform multiple tasks by simply changing attachments, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated power tools and thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining task versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with interchangeable attachments is implemented, then adaptability and versatility improve, but the connection and detachment operations become more complex requiring precise alignment and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power tool system into distinct modular segments: a power head unit and separate attachment components. Each segment has standardized coupling interfaces with corresponding male and female coupling elements. This segmentation allows attachments to be independently designed and manufactured, then easily connected to or detached from the power head through simple coupling actions, maintaining ease of operation while enabling high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coupling mechanisms as intermediary elements between the power head and attachments. These couplings include standardized male and female coupling elements with locking features that facilitate quick connection and detachment. The intermediary coupling design handles the complexity of alignment and securing, allowing users to operate attachments easily without dealing with complex fastening procedures.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure attachments to the power head, then connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking components and engagement procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling and locking functions into a single integrated coupling mechanism. The male and female coupling elements incorporate locking features (such as spring-loaded locking pins or bayonet-style locking) that automatically engage when the attachment is connected to the power head. This merging of coupling and locking into one unified interface achieves reliable secure connection without adding separate locking components or complex engagement procedures, thereby maintaining low device complexity while ensuring connection reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a single power tool to perform multiple tasks by allowing interchangeable attachments, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, and providing a handheld option with increased reach through the extension pole.
Implementation Method 1
a locking ring configured to couple the connection member of either of the extension pole and the attachment component to the connection coupler when the locking ring is in an engaged position and to free the connection member from the connection coupler when the locking ring is in a disengaged position
Implementation Method 2
a drive member to be driven by the electric motor, in which the drive member is connected to a drive coupler... the first end connector is configured to mate with the drive coupler
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of detents to releasably engage the plurality of locking pins
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
According to examples, a modular power tool may include a motor housing including an electric motor, a drive member connected to the electric motor, the drive member being connected to a drive coupler, an extension pole including an input shaft having a first end connector and a second end connector, in which the first end connector is configured to mate with the drive coupler, and an attachment component having an attachment connector and a working implement, in which the attachment component is configured to mate with either of the drive coupler and the second end connector.